When it comes to plumbing problems in your home, DIY projects are often very different from other DIY projects like painting or carpentry.
More often than not, smaller issues can be a sign of a serious issue, that if incorrectly dealt with, can have some detrimental results to your entire plumbing system.
Below are a few plumbing situations that you should never attempt to do yourself, and they should always be fixed by a professional.
1. Unclogging a Blocked Sewer Line
Unclogging your sewer line should not be treated as a DIY project. Even if you are able to access your sewer line, you will still require special equipment that you probably won’t have, such as a sewer inspection camera.
Attempting to fix sewer line clogs without a licensed professional can lead to major problems. If not unclogged properly, it can lead to sewage backups, which can cause serious damage to your property and pose serious health risks.
2. New Appliances
Whenever you’re installing new water heater or possibly a dishwasher in your home that connects directly to your water system, it’s never a bad idea to have a plumber help you set it up.
Anything that can affect the water flow of your home will definitely need professional attention, as attempting a DIY approach could cause problems more costly than the money you save.
3. Gas Line Repair
When it comes to plumbing issues like gas leaks, these are extremely dangerous and can be a significant safety issue to both your household and your surrounding neighbourhood.
If you suspect that there’s a gas leak in your home, leave at once. Using electronic devices such as light switches can increase the danger.
A gas line repair should be done right to avoid injury and ensure that the source of the problem is properly addressed.
4. Remodeling
Whether you are remodeling your entire home or just a room, make sure to hire a professional to handle any plumbing renovations that may be occurring.
A professional plumber can ensure the exact dimensions of your new appliances and guarantee a perfect installation, preventing any future problems caused by poor installation.
5. Pipe Replacement
Pipe repair is not a plumbing job that sounds too difficult, but the truth is that it can be tricky. Most DIY’s often revert to patching leaks, which unfortunately is a common mistake since products used to patch leaks are designed for temporary situations. Pipe replacement is usually the best way to repair a leaking pipe.
Unfortunately, when DIYers attempt to do pipe replacement themselves, it often leads to another mistake of mismatching pipes. A professional is your best bet when it comes to pipe replacement to ensure that everything is done right.
6. Underground Repair Jobs
In most situations, specialized plumbing tools are needed to fix the problem. In addition, some jurisdictions have laws in place that require individuals to contact local authorities before digging to avoid damaging underground infrastructure.
A professional plumber will first obtain the necessary permission and ensure that the underground plumbing repair job is handled right.
Call a Professional
Attempting to fix or replace plumbing fixtures yourself might be tempting, as you can save money upfront, but it is important to avoid projects that you don’t have the expertise and experience to handle.
You will save yourself the hassle of even larger plumbing issues caused by a poorly done plumbing job.